Royle Family creator Caroline Aherne has died following cancer battle!

She revealed two years ago that she was receiving treatment for lung cancer in her home city of Manchester. The sad news was confirmed by her publicist.

“Caroline Aherne has sadly passed away after a brave battle with cancer,” her publicist Neil Reading said. “The Bafta award-winning writer and comedy actor died earlier today at her home in Timperley, Greater Manchester. She was 52. The family ask for privacy at this very sad time.”

The comedienne was best known for her chat show alter ego, Mrs Merton, and for her role as Denise in the popular comedy TV series,The Royle Familywhich she also co-wrote and directed. She also narrates much-loved Channel 4 show,Gogglebox.

She was born with retina cancer for which she received treatment in her twenties. She was later diagnosed with bladder cancer which she again received treatment for.

Aherne was also very open about her battle with depression and alcohol, after the death of her father, marriage breakdown with then-husband Peter Hook and struggle with fame.

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s best comedian talents, she will be sorely missed.